.@BBCNewsnight: I deserve an apology

I was approached by the BBC to be interviewed on Newsnight to talk about what it's like being a working mum struggling to pay rent and housing costs. Of course I was happy to do it, being a working mum is something I’m proud of. It hasn't always been plain sailing. But I did not expect to be personally scrutinised, have judgements made about my choices and asked why I chose to have my child - a beautiful, sociable and happy three year old girl. I have done my best for her and wanted to bring her up independently. But the BBC has humiliated me and I want them to apologise for portraying me and my family in this way.

I am writing to ask you to publicly apologise to Shanene Thorpe -- a proud working mum who, in good faith, agreed to be interviewed by the BBC Newsnight team.

After the interview was aired on Wednesday 23 May, Shanene was left feeling upset and humiliated by the way she had been portrayed. Having thought she had an opportunity to tell her story -- that of a hard working, independent young woman bringing up a small daughter, potentially affected by cuts to benefits -- she was shocked to find herself presented as unemployed and a 'scrounger'.

I urge you to make a swift and public apology for the distress caused to Shanene and her family.